10-year deal pledges millions for safe, affordable housing in Yukon

The Canadian Press
The federal and Yukon governments have signed a 10-year agreement worth almost $60 million to provide long-term funding for community housing in the territory.

The cost-sharing deal was reached under Ottawa’s National Housing Strategy and includes nearly $42 million in federal money and just under $18 million from Yukon.

A Yukon government release says the funds will be used to protect, renew and expand social and community housing, as well as support the territory’s priorities related to housing repair, construction and affordability.

The two governments will also work to create a Canada Housing Benefit to help Yukon residents afford needed housing.

Over the last three years, Ottawa has spent more than $24 million on Yukon housing.

Starting next year, the territory says it will develop three-year action plans that will set targets and outline how the newly announced funds will be used.

“We are committed to working with our partners to tackle housing issues and provide Yukoners with adequate housing while respecting unique circumstances in each community in the territory,” Frost said in the release.